Online Virtual Computers - FanBox and Concluding Thoughts

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Moving on, G.ho.st and GoPC aren't the only online virtual computing services. There are others, but Fanbox seems to be something worth talked about-a lot. And unfortunately, the fashion in which the Web community speaks about it, is not a good one. It is certainly none of our business the kind of practices in which someone engages, but entire communities are repulsed by Fanbox. You can find lots of info on the Net.

Let's remain objective and say nothing that could be taken as either positive or negative about FanBox. But just don't get surprised if you do a Google search on the following terms: fanbox spam. FanBox is the latest product of the San Diego-based SMS.ac company. They have over 50 million subscribers. As of the past few years, there has been lots of havoc going on regarding their labor and business practices.

FanBox appears to be in the alpha development stage. You must register to find out what it's about. They sport virtual computer-like functions and features. The online community and bloggers, especially, claim to have received dozens, if not hundreds, of so-called "spam" (unsolicited) mails, coming from seemingly legit people. When you follow the link inside the mail, you're taken to a page to subscribe to one or more FanBox services.

According to some blog entries and forum posts we've read, lots of people complain about Fanbox that, once they followed that link in the mail to register, then they are asked for their Hotmail/AOL/MSN/Gmail login information (including the password). And that's how "spam" comes to life, which isn't real spam by definition, since you're actually allowing them to send the mail to your friends from your address book.

As I mentioned earlier, if you want to try Fanbox, go ahead. But as with everything else on the Internet (and real life), stay attentive and remain careful. Never give out your sensitive data, regardless of how legit and authentic the claims seem to be. If you're careful and really research the products and/or services you're using, "luck" is always with you since knowledge is power. And thanks to the Internet, you can get plenty.

This article introduced the concept of cloud computing-based virtual computers in the online world and how some services offer "online desktops" on the go. Most of these services have been around for a year or two, or more, but right now have matured sufficiently to be reliable, robust, and full-fledged online workhorses.

In closing, I'd like to invite you to join our community of technology professionals experienced in all areas of IT&C starting from software and hardware up to consumer electronics at Dev Hardware Forums. As well, be sure to check out the community of our sister site at Dev Shed Forums. We are friendly and we'll do our best to help you.

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